Strano spins her way to Big Bash success

Molly Strano bowls for the Melbourne Renegades as they take on the Stars at the MCG. (The Age)

Molly Strano is taking the cricketing world by storm.

The 23-year-old Werribee right-arm off-spin bowler played for the Melbourne Renegades in the inaugural Women’s Big Bash League after being the top-wicket taker in the league’s 2014-15 predecessor while playing for the Vic Spirit.

“It’s definitely an honour; I’m proud to be a part of the inaugural WBBL,” she said. “It’ll be something I look back on in the years to come, being part of the first steps of the professionalisation of women’s sport with the Renegades.”

Her cricket career started when she was eight, following her brother’s lead and playing as a junior.

“Most people have a cricket-mad father and that’s how they get into the game, but that wasn’t the case for me,” she said. “I guess the whole family learnt about the game at the same rate.”

She played for Werribee Central with boys and at 16 was signed by Vic Spirit.

“I’m only 23, so this has all come at a good time,” she says. “I’ve got a few years left in me, so I’ll see what happens.”

Strano, whose home club these days is Essendon Maribyrnong Park, says family support has been a key to her success.

She makes special mention of her grandmother.

“She’s been a massive influence.”